Breast milk is a living food that provide immunities against disease (e.g. if you got the flu shot - so did your nursing baby, without the shot!), provides essential substances that a human baby needs (not a calf) and cannot be replicated in a laboratory, and changes as the baby grows depending on her / his needs.

But breastfeeding is much more than just a way to feed your baby since it provides a stronger bond between you and your baby, burns calories to get your shape back, releases hormones that relax you and much more.

With breastfeeding there is no bottle to prepare, so you may actually end up with more time if you are the 1 preparing the bottles. Plus, you will be able to stop whatever you are doing and rest while baby is breastfeeding. Think of it as nature’s way to help you slow down and breathe.

As long as you are well hydrated and nourished, you will produce the amount of milk the baby needs. The experience of your mother will not affect how much milk you produce. Since the 1930s, mothers have not received a lot of support for breastfeeding and were even given the ill-advice to not breastfeed; this unsupportive culture likely affected how successful she was with breastfeeding.

Breastfed babies generally tolerate whatever foods the mother consumes unless there is an allergy or intolerance to a certain food. You should stay well-nourished and hydrated for optimal energy and milk production. As in the womb, your baby is learning about new flavors as she breastfeeds and this experience will help shape food preferences and acceptance as she begins solid foods.

Parenting can be tiring no matter what, however, when you are breastfeeding your baby, you are able to rest and sometimes sleep while reclined or lying down with your baby, providing a much-earned rest time. Breastfeeding hormones also help you to feel more relaxed. Have healthy snacks and interesting books on hand so that you can read and snack while baby is feeding and sleeping.

Lots! Feeding your baby is not the only way to help! Here is a list of ways a partner, mother, friend, etc. can help a new mother: prepare meals and healthy snacks (feed mom!), throw in a load of laundry; burp baby; rock baby; walk baby; talk and read to baby; play with baby; change baby’s diaper; give baby a bath, bring baby to mom when hungry, visit mom, babysit while mom gets coffee with a friend, etc.